Digital Content Resources - Languages Other Than English (LOTE)

These resources have not been examined for compliance with the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)  and Education Law 2-d, therefore schools that choose to utilize any of these resources must ensure compliance where applicable. For more information on Education Law 2-d and data privacy and security in general  please refer to NYSED’s Data Privacy and Security webpage.

The sites below are provided as options and sources for ideas and inspiration only. The list is also not exhaustive; there are many quality resources and learning activities available online.

1. Gus on the Go!(link is external) (K-6)
   • With the Gus on the Go app, explore a new language with the original Gus on the Go language app! With 10 interactive lessons, engaging vocabulary reviews and delightful games, learning a new language has never been this fun! Available now in 30 different languages in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
2. Duolingo(link is external) (7-12)
   • Duolingo is a platform that includes a language-learning website and mobile app, as well as a digital language-proficiency assessment exam. The app and the website are accessible without charge, although Duolingo also offers a premium service for a fee. With over 300 million users, this web-based platform is appropriate for most levels of learners (basic reading skills required). With a simple, easy-to-use interface, Duolingo’s main courses help students learn vocabulary and practice listening and speaking.
3. Babbel(link is external) (7-12)
   • Babbel is a subscription-based language learning app for the web that has both free and paid versions. There are about 40 classes in the free version.  Babbel takes a traditional approach to language learning. The classes are categorized into degrees of difficulty or types of learning. Also adding more depth to the lessons are the sections on culture, teaching students about the people and places where the language is indigenous.  Students can learn vocabulary that is most relevant to their lives by choosing courses specific to travel, business, or other scenarios.
4. Memrise(link is external) (7-12)
   • Memrise is a language platform that uses spaced repetition of flashcards to increase the rate of learning.  With courses in 16 languages, students can watch and learn real conversational language from native speakers and get a personalized learning experience that gives the learner just the right level of challenge to keep them motivated.
5. Open Culture(link is external) (7-12)
   • Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media for the worldwide lifelong learning community, including many resources that are language-specific.
6. DayByDayNY(link is external) - Spanish Version (early learners)
   • This free early-literacy resource is available to families, students, schools, and day-care providers as part of Ready to Read at New York Libraries. The Family Literacy Calendar includes engaging daily activities, songs, educational games, and an online book via One More Story that changes daily.  The site also provides a link to the TumbleBook online book of the day.
7. Britannica Escolar - via NOVELNY(link is external) (primary and secondary levels)
   • Accurate and age-appropriate content in Spanish for native Spanish speakers, bilingual students and students learning Spanish.